The nearest airport is in [[George]], while for international flights you have to go to [[Cape Town]].

+

The nearest airport is in [[George]], while for international flights you have to go through [[Cape Town]].

===By train===

===By train===

−

The railway station is adjacent to the waterfront shopping and restaurant complex, a couple of blocks from the centre of town. Up until 2006 there were two or three trains a day to [[George]] via [[Wilderness]] and [[Sedgefield]] ; however, heavy rainfall and severe flooding in 2006 and again in 2007 caused major damage to the railway route resulting in this train service being suspended until further notice.

−

Known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe[http://www.onlinesources.co.za/chootjoe], the above-mentioned train was the last-remaining scheduled steam-hauled train service in South Africa, and a not-to-be-missed experience. The scenery along the route is stupendous, and includes the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world) and the bridge over the Knysna lagoon. This train train now runs between [[George]] and [[Mossel Bay]], and will continue to do so until such time as the railway tracks between [[George]] and Knysna are repaired.

+

There is no passenger train service to Kynsna

+

+

The old railway station is adjacent to the waterfront shopping and restaurant complex, a couple of blocks from the centre of town. Up until 2006 the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe ran to [[George]] via [[Wilderness]] and [[Sedgefield]] ; however, heavy rainfall and severe flooding in 2006 and again in 2007 caused major damage to the railway route resulting in this train service being suspended. The train was the last-remaining scheduled steam-hauled train service in South Africa, and a not-to-be-missed experience. The train line itself still provides opportunities for viewing and photography: the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world) and the bridge over the Knysna lagoon.

There is a railway heritage museum in [[George]], alongside the train station.

There is a railway heritage museum in [[George]], alongside the train station.

==Get around==

==Get around==

+

Walking around is the best option or rent a bicycle for longer distances. Except the minibuses there is no public transport so you have to take a taxi if you want.

Walking around is the best option or rent a bicycle for longer distances. Except the minibuses there is no public transport so you have to take a taxi if you want.

Line 45:

Line 47:

* <do name="Knysna Elephant Park" url="http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)44 532-7732" email="[email protected]" directions="Halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the N2">Offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with African elephants. The elephants here are orphans from various SAN Parks and further afield, and they are so used to humans now that it is possible to feed them and actually touch them! Buy a bucket of fruit at the entrance and the elephants will pick up bits of fruit that you offer to them in your hands, or far more likely, they will take it straight from your bucket when you're not looking! You can also (if you book well in advance) take an evening or morning walk with the elephants. If you have the time, this is an experience not to be missed.</do>

* <do name="Knysna Elephant Park" url="http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/" phone="+27 (0)44 532-7732" email="[email protected]" directions="Halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the N2">Offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with African elephants. The elephants here are orphans from various SAN Parks and further afield, and they are so used to humans now that it is possible to feed them and actually touch them! Buy a bucket of fruit at the entrance and the elephants will pick up bits of fruit that you offer to them in your hands, or far more likely, they will take it straight from your bucket when you're not looking! You can also (if you book well in advance) take an evening or morning walk with the elephants. If you have the time, this is an experience not to be missed.</do>

*<sleep name="Monks Caravan Park and Camping" alt="" address="" directions="1km from the centre of town towards the Port Elizabeth side of town" phone="+27 (0)44 382-2609" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.monkscaravan.co.za" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Monks Caravan park is situated on the edge of the lovely Knysna Lagoon and is in walking distance of the town. Affordable camping accommodation</sleep>

*<sleep name="Monks Caravan Park and Camping" alt="" address="" directions="1km from the centre of town towards the Port Elizabeth side of town" phone="+27 (0)44 382-2609" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.monkscaravan.co.za" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">Monks Caravan park is situated on the edge of the lovely Knysna Lagoon and is in walking distance of the town. Affordable camping accommodation</sleep>

−

*<sleep name="Prospect Cottage" alt="Self catering home in Knysna " address="23 Agnar Street, Paradise" directions="From the N2/Main Street turn into Short street, the second street left is Agnar Street and is a cul-de-sac." phone="+27 (0)44 386-0152" url="http://www.prospectcottage.co.za" checkin="2PM" checkout="10AM" price="From R600 for 2 people, R100 per additional person (max 6)" lat="34° 2' 6.68 S" long="23° 2' 22.72 E" email="[email protected]">A charming three bedroom home suitable for up to 6 people. Sip drinks on the elevated wooden deck with panoramic views of the lagoon and the 'Heads'. Easy access to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. A three minute walk to central Knysna and the lagoon. </sleep>

+

*<sleep name="Prospect Cottage" alt="" address="23 Agnar Street, Paradise" directions="From the N2/Main Street turn into Short street, the second street left is Agnar Street and is a cul-de-sac." phone="+27 (0)44 386-0152" url="http://www.prospectcottage.co.za" checkin="2PM" checkout="10AM" price="From R600 for 2 people, R100 per additional person (max 6)" lat="34° 2' 6.68 S" long="23° 2' 22.72 E" email="[email protected]">A charming three bedroom home suitable for up to 6 people. Sip drinks on the elevated wooden deck with panoramic views of the lagoon and the 'Heads'. Easy access to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. A three minute walk to central Knysna and the lagoon. </sleep>

*<sleep name="Inyathi Guest Lodges" alt="" address="52 Main Road, Westhill" directions="" phone="+27 (0)44 382-7768" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.inyathi-sa.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R350pps" lat="" long="">A most unusual guesthouse: although they are situated right in the center of town, once you enter the premises you have the feeling of being in the middle of the African bush. 3 star.</sleep>

*<sleep name="Inyathi Guest Lodges" alt="" address="52 Main Road, Westhill" directions="" phone="+27 (0)44 382-7768" email="[email protected]" url="http://www.inyathi-sa.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="From R350pps" lat="" long="">A most unusual guesthouse: although they are situated right in the center of town, once you enter the premises you have the feeling of being in the middle of the African bush. 3 star.</sleep>

Revision as of 10:45, 29 August 2012

Map of Knysna

The Heads

The Western Head

The Western Head at sunset

Knysna, [42], pearl of the scenic Garden Route, is situated between George and Plettenberg Bay. Perennially green thanks to a Mediterranean Maritime climate with rain falling throughout the year, Knysna is mantled by indigenous forests extending into the Tsitsikamma National Park area. Nestled between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian ocean, the culinary capital of oysters and other delectable seafood is a compulsory stopover on every travelers’ itinerary. At the heart of Knysna is a lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" Webcam [43]– best explored on board a catamaran or from along hiking paths in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A hotspot for art and craft, as well as adventure activities such as tree canopy gliding, kloofing and abseiling, Knysna offers something to everybody.

The peculiarity of the origin of the place-name Knysna is commonly explained with a light-hearted joke of two German tourists travelling to Knysna, and upon reaching the lookout point on the eastern Knysna Head, the one says to the other: 'Nice, na?'. On a more serious note, Knysna is believed to be derived from a Khoi word for place of wood, or fern leaves, but most probable straight down or hard to reach - referring to the steep Knysna Heads.

By bus

By plane

The nearest airport is in George, while for international flights you have to go through Cape Town.

By train

There is no passenger train service to Kynsna

The old railway station is adjacent to the waterfront shopping and restaurant complex, a couple of blocks from the centre of town. Up until 2006 the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe ran to George via Wilderness and Sedgefield ; however, heavy rainfall and severe flooding in 2006 and again in 2007 caused major damage to the railway route resulting in this train service being suspended. The train was the last-remaining scheduled steam-hauled train service in South Africa, and a not-to-be-missed experience. The train line itself still provides opportunities for viewing and photography: the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world) and the bridge over the Knysna lagoon.

There is a railway heritage museum in George, alongside the train station.

Get around

Walking around is the best option or rent a bicycle for longer distances. Except the minibuses there is no public transport so you have to take a taxi if you want.

Traffic can become extremely busy during the tourist high season and long queues in and out of Knysna are common.

See

The lagoon: about 18 sq. km and home to at least 200 species of fish is connected with the Indian Ocean through a turbulent channel between "The Heads", two sandstone cliffs. Tour around on one of several boats or just take a coffee at "the Heads". Take a boat across to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Heads (this is an organised tour because it's a private reserve, but it's a good way to spend some time on the lagoon then take a walk in the reserve).

The Knysna Forest: about 80.000 ha are now under conservation. The ‘King Edward VII’ tree (at Diepwalle forest station) is an estimated 600 years old, 39 m at height, and has a circumference of 6 m. The most famous animals are the Knysna elephants. Currently research, involving DNA testing of dung, is being done to see how many of them may still rumble in the jungle, please report any "dung" sightings! Remember to always take care. There are several hiking trails but you need a car to access the forest. Don't forget the conservation motto "Take only photographs, leave only footprints!".

Pledge Nature Reserve: offers 3.5 km of pathways through scrub forest and hillside fynbos with fine views over the lagoon and is just 500 meters of the town centre. A nice place for a walk in the afternoon.

Millwood Gold Fields: Site of one of the first gold rushes in South Africa, the Millwood Museum and Materoli Tea Room (be sure to try a piece of Jayne's World Famous Chocolate Cake) offers a unique and fascinating view of the greed, entrepreneurship, energy, and ultimate failure of the first gold discovered in South Africa during the late 1800's. Tours through the old gold diggings are available.

Do

Walk along the lagoon, take a coffee at one of the many shops at the waterfront and head straight on for The Heads.

There are many golf courses around, often with stunning settings or views. Pezula Championship Course and Golf Club[45], Simola Country Estate, Golf Club and 5-Star Hotel[46] and Knysna Golf Club[47]. You can also book fully organised or self-drive golf tours in and around Knysna with Platinum Golf [48].

Knysna Elephant Park, (Halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the N2), ☎+27 (0)44 532-7732 ([email protected]), [1]. Offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with African elephants. The elephants here are orphans from various SAN Parks and further afield, and they are so used to humans now that it is possible to feed them and actually touch them! Buy a bucket of fruit at the entrance and the elephants will pick up bits of fruit that you offer to them in your hands, or far more likely, they will take it straight from your bucket when you're not looking! You can also (if you book well in advance) take an evening or morning walk with the elephants. If you have the time, this is an experience not to be missed.

Ile de Pain, Thesens Island, [8]. Delicious dishes with various kinds of home made bread.

Zachary's Restaurant', [9]. The highly acclaimed Zachary's is a sophisticated world-class gourmet restaurant under the helm of Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray, who delights in serving up local ingredients inspired by global influences.

Drink

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:

Budget

Under R500

Mid-range

R500 to R1000

Splurge

Over R1000

Many guesthouses, hotels and B&Bs compete for the visitor in off-season, but in high season prices rise and places fill early so book ahead. There are also several nice options out of town (like Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay) for those with their own transport.

Elephant Hide of Knysna Accommodation, Cherry Lane, Welbedacht, Knysna (From George:), ☎+27 44 3820427, [14]. checkin: 14h00; checkout: 11h00. Situated on top of the Welbedacht Cliff Tops 3km from Knysna Town, the Lodge overlooks the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua mountains. The theme of the Lodge is one based on natural beauty with stone and wood architecture combining to give that comfortable earth feel. The surroundings attracting numerous bird species. All the suites have double showers with views and are private. The lodge is a family run business that prides itself on personal service. from 740.00. (34.01.59.3,23.00.38.9)

Budget

9 on Heron Bed and Breakfast ([email protected]), 9 Herons Way, Old Place (Just turn off the N2 main road into Bokmakkierie Road, then right into Herons way, you'll see the sign on the left, 200 meters down the road.), ☎+27 (0)44 382 9964, [15]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 10.30AM. 3km from the Knysna Quays, set in a quiet, secure, garden-like suburb.From R295 pp. (34° 02’ 34.79’’S,23° 04’ 14.68’’E)

Bliss Self-Catering Units, 12 Faure Street, Westhill, ☎+27 (0)44 382-4569 ([email protected]), [16]. Two self catering units and a bed and breakfast unit. Centrally located with stunning views of the Lagoon and the Knysna Heads. Bliss has well appointed accommodation and is ideal for couples.From R250pps.

Franverleigh Self-catering chalets, (Towards Karatara and Ruigtevlei), ☎+27 (0)44 356-9022 ([email protected]), [17]. A low-density resort with two identical log chalets set in their own secluded garden. We have named them after our resident birds - Hoopoe and Lourie.From R175pp.

Highfield Backpackers, 2 Graham Street, Central, ☎+27 (0)44 382-6266 ([email protected]), [18]. A nice place with a pool a little bit off main street and offers dorms, private single and double rooms.Dorm bed R90, twin and family rooms R125pps.

Monks Caravan Park and Camping, (1km from the centre of town towards the Port Elizabeth side of town), ☎+27 (0)44 382-2609 ([email protected]), [19]. Monks Caravan park is situated on the edge of the lovely Knysna Lagoon and is in walking distance of the town. Affordable camping accommodation

Prospect Cottage, 23 Agnar Street, Paradise (From the N2/Main Street turn into Short street, the second street left is Agnar Street and is a cul-de-sac.), ☎+27 (0)44 386-0152 ([email protected]), [20]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 10AM. A charming three bedroom home suitable for up to 6 people. Sip drinks on the elevated wooden deck with panoramic views of the lagoon and the 'Heads'. Easy access to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. A three minute walk to central Knysna and the lagoon. From R600 for 2 people, R100 per additional person (max 6). (34° 2' 6.68 S,23° 2' 22.72 E)

Inyathi Guest Lodges, 52 Main Road, Westhill, ☎+27 (0)44 382-7768 ([email protected]), [24]. A most unusual guesthouse: although they are situated right in the center of town, once you enter the premises you have the feeling of being in the middle of the African bush. 3 star.From R350pps.

Knysna River Club, Sun Valley Drive, Costa Sarda, ☎+27 (0)44 382-6483 ([email protected]), [26]. Situated on the water's edge of the Knysna Lagoon, the multi-award-winning Knysna River Club is a private enclave of charming, self-catering log chalets. Surrounded by shady trees and well-tended gardens, the resort offers security, privacy and comfort for guests looking to unwind, and is the ideal venue from which to explore Knysna. From R900 per unit.

Knysna Terrace, 4 Star Guest House (just off the N2 from George), ☎+27 (0)44 382-6460 ([email protected]), [27]. Guests can stroll leisurely from Knysna Terrace to the nearby picturesque village of Knysna which boasts a selection of shops and restaurants.

Sandybanks, Thesen Island (On Thesen Island, take the first left turn to the gatehouse), ☎+27 (0)44 382-4904 ([email protected]), [30]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 10AM. Sandybanks is a self-catering holiday home built in the style of a contemporary boathouse on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon. Great views and bird watching. Swimming pool. Kayaks and bicycles available.From R800per unit. (-34.0462945937204,23.0524921417236)

Splurge

The GrayWood Hotel, Cnr Gray & Trotter Streets, Central, ☎+27 (0)44 382-5850 ([email protected]), [34]. Exceptionally well positioned and within walking distance from the Knysna Waterfront and the popular town center. The three star Graywood Hotel opened its doors in mid-September 2004 and boasts 49 en-suite timber log rooms with a licensed bar, secure parking and a full breakfast available.From R690pps.

Tonquani Lodge, Welbedacht Lane, Kanonkop, ([email protected]), [40]. Rated best B&B/Guesthouse with Self-Catering in South Africa three times in a row. 5 Star accommodation at an affordable price and with excellent facilities.Family rooms from R395pp and double units from R795pp.

Contact

The town has rolled out municipal wifi[49] provided by Uninet[50]. Access is restricted to 45 minutes per user per day.

Get out

Hike in the Kynsna forest or take a tour in the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam-train to Knysna. Other options are a day tour to Oudtshoorn or the Noetzie castle a few km north east of town.

Noetzie Castle - East of Knysna some Britons lost their castles on the beach. Worth some hours or more if you like the beach.

Brenton-on-Sea - Less crowded than Knysna this sea-side village offers endless beaches

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!